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When you think of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, what often comes to mind are the flamboyant, larger-than-life characters, the intricate battles, and, well, let’s admit it—those big, beefcake boys striking poses that are iconic in their own right.
But did a gay Catholic priest ever make its way into that mental canvas?
I found myself knee-deep in JoJo fandom after diving into the anime, and like any new fan, I indulged in my enthusiasm by customizing my desktop with animated JoJo wallpapers. (Let’s face it, those collectible figures can be a tad too pricey for my liking!)
Amidst this desktop personalization spree, I stumbled upon a stunning image by The Real Snipster depicting Jotaro facing off against Father Pucci. It was a captivating piece—the Stardust Crusaders’ silhouettes cast in the water, rallying behind Jotaro as he confronted one of the most potent stands ever seen. What truly entranced me, however, was the accompanying music.
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The wallpaper was set to the tune of “Crucified” by Army of Lovers, a track I had never encountered before. Its catchiness had me hitting the repeat button, and soon, my curiosity about its connection to JoJo’s musical influence was piqued. Yet, to my surprise, my search led to a dead end—Hirohiko Araki, the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, had no ties to this song, and Pucci’s name didn’t derive from musicians or albums, unlike many other characters. Delving deeper, I stumbled upon a Reddit post that revealed fan consensus on why this song resonated with Pucci’s character. Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with the anime but was rather an interpretation by fans that fit Pucci’s persona, even though he already had an official theme called "Priest" from the Stone Ocean Official soundtrack.
The allure of "Crucified" lies in its infectious energy. A 90s club hit, it’s both danceable and uniquely crafted with its blend of religious themes and instrumentation. But a great song doesn’t automatically translate into a character's theme. JoJo fans are more nuanced and imaginative than that.
Analyzing the song's lyrics led me to Genius.com, where interpretations revealed a heavy reliance on religious iconography without explicit confirmation from the original singers about its true meaning. However, one interpretation hinted at a plea for sanctuary, allowing Army of Lovers to live their "controversial lifestyle" free from public condemnation.
This so-called "controversy" surrounding Army of Lovers stemmed from their flamboyant and androgynous image, exploring LGBTQ+ themes and nonconformity in their music, including "Crucified." The song cleverly wove Catholic themes, like the crucifixion of Jesus, as metaphors for facing adversity due to their sexuality, juxtaposing it with sexual imagery and choreography.
So, why the association with Pucci, a Catholic priest in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
While Pucci’s sexuality or relationships are never explicitly portrayed, there are intriguing dynamics in his interactions with Dio. Moments in the anime suggest a tension, a potential manipulation by Dio, who was confirmed by Araki in a 2007 interview as a character open to relationships with both men and women. Pucci’s resistance and complex relationship with Dio paint a multifaceted picture. Perhaps he's asexual, resisting Dio’s attempts not out of romantic inclination but as a follower who doesn’t view Dio as a partner. This discourse surrounding Pucci, often overshadowed by other formidable JoJo villains, opens avenues for discussions on LGBTQ+ representation and the clash with Catholic doctrines.
It’s intriguing how fans extrapolate and expand upon the art they adore. In the case of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, fans have created their own themes and interpretations, elevating characters like Pucci into multifaceted, discussion-worthy entities. It’s a testament to the power of fandom, shaping and deepening our understanding of the narratives we cherish. The ability of fans to influence and expand upon the art they love is a prime example of the creative force behind fandom. It's a phenomenon that continues to shape and mold the stories we hold dear, often leading to uncharted territories of discussion and exploration.
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